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Pistorius to undergo mental evaluation

In a decision that some believe could potentially lead to his acquittal for murder, Oscar Pistorius is ordered by a judge to undergo psychiatric tests.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel formally asked the court on Tuesday to have Pistorius committed, after defence psychiatrist Meryll Vorster claimed the sprinter's deep-seated anxiety would have given him a heightened fear of crime.

Defence lawyer Barry Roux had argued against the motion, saying it was ‘‘premature’’ to have the evaluation done now, as he planned to call other witnesses.

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Those factors, they argue, help explain his reaction on Valentine's Day last year when he allegedly believed his girlfriend to be an intruder and shot her dead through a locked toilet door.

Mr Nel said he did not believe Pistorius's mental state was unusual, but warned the athlete's defence team may try to use that evidence to limit sentencing, launch an appeal or reset the case.

"My lady, accused persons have in the past replaced their counsel, particularly when things go wrong," said Mr Nel.

In a hint of his closing arguments, Mr Nel also accused Pistorius of frequently changing his defence and using poor mental health as a fallback.

Pistorius' lawyer Barry Roux furiously objected to Nel's request on Tuesday and went on the attack.

"My lady I say it with great deference, Mr Nel's reading of the law is quite unfortunate," he said. "It's just a ruse to get a second opinion and it's simply going nowhere."

On Wednesday Judge Masipa said she would grant the order, with specifics to be handed down on Tuesday next week. She did not specify a time length for the evaluation, and said it would be preferable for Pistorius to undergo the evaluation as an outpatient.

Pistorius, 27, faces life in prison if he is convicted of Ms Steenkamp’s murder.